Start small, dream big: Focusing on future changemakers

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When people think of the problems in society, they see many great obstacles to equality, peace, and prosperity. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, it can sometimes be easy to forget just how many people are willing to work and do some good in order to change the status quo.

Commonly overlooked in endeavors to make lasting changes to society are the young people. Adults often expect very little of the youth. They are repeatedly told to stay out of trouble and to continue with their studies. But what if the young people of today are already ready? What if they just need some encouragement and guidance to take on the larger problems in society?

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By averting one’s eyes from the problems for a while, one can see that there are many people who are willing to work for social change, including the youth. Presently, young people have already faced their fair share of inequalities found in society. Many of them have gone beyond themselves to show compassion, stand up against injustice, and contribute to their community.

As programs like the Peace First prize show, many of today’s youth do have great ideas on how to create lasting changes to society. Acknowledging their ideas seriously and inviting them to take on important roles as early as now can encourage them to continue working for their vision of a better future.

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Find more articles on effective philanthropy on this Alexander von Fürstenberg blog site.

Self-fulfillment: Why the rich really give

In a time filled with news about an unstable economy, unemployment, and terrorism, it is refreshing to see the following headlines: “Alex von Furstenberg supports American Tall Ship Institute,” “Warren Buffett and Bill Gates' ‘giving pledge’ gets 11 more billionaires to pledge half of wealth,” and “Former NFL team owner champions controversial causes.” Such good news reminds people that there is still something good happening amidst the chaos, and this includes the wealthy helping the less fortunate.

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But why do the rich support charity? The Wall Street Journal states that the rich may have an altogether different reason behind why they give.

A philanthropy study conducted by the Center on Philanthropy and Bank of America found that 46 percent of respondents said that giving to charitable institutions had a “greater impact on their own personal fulfillment” than on those who received the donations; only 20 percent believe that their contributions make a major impact on organizations they support, and only 6 percent believe that their contributions are going to help improve society.

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To make things simple, these people actually do not believe that their contributions will make a significant impact to the world; however, they still continue with their philanthropic efforts because it makes them feel good. The article notes that philanthropists are aware that “changing the world through charity can often be an illusion since the problems they’re trying to solve are so vast and complex” but they “feel better for trying, and charity makes them better people.”

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The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFF) serves as the headquarters for Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropic efforts. Visit this website for a list of the organizations DVFF supports.